Katrina Hoover Lee on From the White House to the Amish (Book Giveaway)

From the White House to the Amish is the new book from Katrina Hoover Lee telling the story of Thomas E. Kirkman, who lived a remarkable life which took him from the highest corridors of power to becoming a convert to the Amish.

The book is a real page-turner. Katrina wrote Kirkman’s story as a biographical fiction, which she explains in the Q-and-A below.

Enter to Win a Copy of From the White House to the Amish 

To enter for a chance to win a copy, simply leave a comment on this post.

I’ll draw a winner and post it here on Friday (update: it turns out we need to push it to next week, so look for the winner here Monday).

Katrina Hoover Lee on From the White House to the Amish

Amish America: Who was Thomas E. Kirkman?

Katrina Hoover Lee: Born in southern Indiana during the Great Depression, Tom grew up during World War II and the 1950’s. Though he was raised by Christian parents, he turned against God after the loss of the most important person in his life. Although gifted as an artist, spy, and inventor, Tom’s life spiraled into depression and bitterness toward God. Through an unexpected voice and an unpretentious Amish man, Tom Kirkman was forever changed.

Amish America: What is remarkable or unique about this story?

Katrina Hoover Lee: As a young man, Tom worked in the White House under both the Eisenhower and Kennedy administrations and spent time in the CIA. Later, he joined the Amish church.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I consider myself a lifetime writer although my first book came out in 2010. I’ve written a total of eight books through Anabaptist publishing houses. Raised in central Wisconsin, I now live in Elkhart, Indiana, with my husband Marnell. We are expecting our first child, a girl, in May.

What’s one thing you learned in your research that surprised or moved you?

Although Tom passed away before I was able to speak to him, his son Brad was full of helpful stories he remembered from his father. Some of Tom’s stories were so out of the ordinary, I felt like I should doubt them until I found good evidence, even though this book is a biographical fiction. Several discoveries in my research reassured me that Tom’s word was trustworthy. These revelations thrilled me!

When writing a story inspired by real people and historical events – how does that work? How much do you rely on the real-life facts and what parts do you need to “fill in” or create yourself?

I always have to decide first whether I’m writing a biography/memoir, or whether I’m writing a biographical fiction. Since Tom was no longer living when I took on the project, it seemed fitting to make the book a fiction book based on truth, or a biographical fiction. I did my best to stay true to what I did know about Tom Kirkman. But in many cases, the details went with Tom to his grave. In order to offer the reader a readable narrative, I added details that seemed to fit Tom’s character and the the information I did have.

What other books have you written, and what was different about this one?

Of my other eight books, Blue Christmas and Captain Garrison are the most loved by readers. With the exception of my very first book, all the books can be seen at my website. From the White House to the Amish is the first book I’ve written set in the mid-1900’s. It was fascinating to research President Eisenhower in particular!

What will readers take away or learn from From the White House to the Amish?

I hope the book inspires people to think about what is most important in life. I also think people who remember the Eisenhower and Kennedy years will enjoy the book even more.

What do the Amish think of this book?

I was concerned about this myself. Even though I’m a conservative Mennonite myself, I’m not a part of the Amish culture and I was hoping the book would not be offensive, particularly since Tom did not remain with the Amish church until his death. However, I was pleased to hear that the book was recommended as a great book to read on the Midwest Amish Chat Line. This is a telephone conference that many Amish listen to for news. Hearing this made me much more easy in spirit! I have also heard positive comments from a number of other Amish people.

Where can readers find From the White House to the Amish?

I encourage readers to buy directly from my website if they are able, since that supports my own author journey best. I send autographed paperbacks directly from my house in Elkhart, IN. The paperback, ebook, and audiobook can all be purchased directly from me here.

However, the ebooks are available on Apple, Nook, Amazon, and more; you can see a list of the retailers here. The paperback is available from Amazon, but it will be more expensive than if you buy it directly from me. We recently released the audio version with narration by Conrad Bear. This can be accessed from our website as a digital download or a CD set. Also available from Apple, Audible, Nook, Kobo/Walmart, and various others.

Are you giving a coupon to readers of Amish America?

Why, yes! If you purchase from my website, don’t forget to use coupon code Amish15 for 15% off any form of From the White House to the Amish (paperback, ebook, audiobook).

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    146 Comments

    1. Holly

      Interesting!

      Usually you hear about Amish leaving their faith. This book is the opposite and I can’t wait to read it.

      1. Clair Stauffer
    2. AMB Benson

      From the White House to the Amish....

      Lots of great information—Thanks…

    3. Rosa Blanarik

      Sounds Fascinating!

      Can’t wait to read this -it sounds so interesting!

    4. Amos Yoder

      Interesting

      Sounds very interesting..

    5. Alberta Wells

      So interested!!

      Would love to win this..Looks so interesting..But then again I love reading about the Amish..I read all I can find about them. Thank you for giving someone a chance to win one..

    6. Alice Berger

      Love to read this

      This sounds like a fascinating read. I’d love to win a copy!

    7. Debbie Hamilton

      Looking forward to reading this book

      I have read the reviews on this book and I can’t wait to finally sit down over the weekend and read why this received so many positive reviews.

    8. Susan Carle-Williams

      Sounds like a great book.

    9. G J Stewart

      I want to read this book

      This sounds like a very interesting book. While I honor the Amish lifestyle, I am not about to walk away from my car and bathroom for the simple things in life. But I will read this book.

    10. Andrea Allen

      I Can't Wait to Read this Book!

      I am in love with the Amish culture. In fact, I’ve written many papers, while seeking my degrees, using the Amish as a reference, in regards to the uniqueness of different cultures. I’ve often thought of people who converted to the Amish faith, knowing the variables that may make it hard to convert. This story of Tom Kirkman has me in great anticipation of a great read!
      Andrea

    11. Karen Fleck

      Amish book giveaway

      I admire the industriousness and moral standards of the Amish ffolk.

    12. Andrea Woodard

      This book sounds very interesting, i have never read anything from this author, but that doesn’t mean I can’t start. Hope I win.

    13. Laura Raigoza

      I would love to win a copy of this book! As a history major, an avid reader and having worked for the government this book would be very exciting!

      1. From the White House to the Amish

        This book looks so fascinating that I’ll probably end up buying it if I’m not chosen to win it. My former father in law served under several presidents as a member of the General Services Administration & we have interesting & diverse mementos from his time in DC.

    14. judith Steinbrenner

      very intriguing

      can’t wait to read this one…so very interested in the Amish. from WI and visit Amish in Dalton, WI…have 2 grandkids and their families living in Sarasota. we just visited them and Pinecraft just 2 weeks ago. have been intrigued by what takes place in the White House and stories involving the White House all my life. these 2 topics are a must-read for me

    15. Amy Farajian

      Sounds like a fascinating story! Can’t wait to read it.

    16. Heather Knisley

      What an incredible tale and an interesting life. Definitely adding this to my reading list.

    17. Carolyn Itter

      Love historical fiction

      And the fact that it’s a biography is even better. I remember those days well and it will be very interesting to read about an Amish perspective of the time.

    18. Diana Elizabeth MacKenzie Stuart

      Looking forward reading the book by Katrina Hoover Lee

      I watch Amish DVD’s and read Amish books so I’m looking forward reading “From the White House to the Amish.”

      When my husband and I go to Sarasota, FL we go to the Amish restaurant and stores. Living in Virginia we go to Lancaster, PA to eat good food and go shopping. Love Bird-in-Hand and Good’n Plenty.

      I have Amish furniture in my townhouse and an Amish shed from Lancaster, PA.

      Love talking with the Amish learning and seeing how they live their lives.

      My home address is: 7386 Colton Lane, Manassas, VA 20109-2957 (571-238-4075)

      Thank you for the book giveaway. Thank you so much!

      Have a safe, healthy, and wonderful week!

      Diana

    19. Susan McKendry

      Interesting topic for biographical fiction

      This sounds like a wonderful read, and I do recall the Eisenhower and Kennedy years, so this will add a historical element as well as his personal story.

    20. Ramona Rodhe
    21. Alex Knisely

      A seeker, then --

      — lost his faith, tried power, sought God again among the Amish, and said — leaving to seek again — “Not here.” Cast down your bucket where you are !

    22. Sherry Bodenberg

      Love Amish books

      This book sounds very interesting to read. What really my eye was that the character (Thomas Kirkman) was born in southern Indiana… the same area of Indiana I have lived all my life.

    23. Don Shenk

      From the White House to the Amish

      I generally am not interested in Amish fiction books. However I would definitely read this book.

    24. Gerald Ward

      Inspiration

      Hi, I am a 78 YO retired minister. I’m in the midst of writing my memoir and read memoirs far and wide in search of inspiration and hope. I sense your book about Tom will help me continue my writing as memorial to God. Gerald Ward

    25. Robert Stuhldreher

      Should be an,interesting read. The whole country might be a little different if the title was reversed. From the Amish to the White House. Focus would be centered around forgiveness,respect, and helping others first.

    26. beatrice goodman

      From the White House to the Amish

      I would be very interested in this book as I have read much about the Amish and would like to know why he changed religions and what brought him to this decision.

    27. Andi Stoops

      Looking forward to a fascinating story

      I love to read history and historical fiction. This gentleman had such a diverse life, can’t wait to read his story. Mrs Lee has more stories that look to be great reads, too!

    28. Lisa Meaney

      Sounds Interesting!

      I love reading stories of converts to the Amish faith. Very interesting because there are so few. Off to bring my Amish friend shopping now in Upstate NY.

    29. SARAH TAYLOR

      Love Reading Amish Books!

      This book sounds very interesting would love to win Thank you for the chance!

    30. Denise

      I'm Intrigued

      Such an interesting topic. I would really like to get a copy of this book in my hands!

    31. Carla

      Just ordered from her website, can’t wait to read!!!

    32. Esther Kern

      Historical Connections

      The connection between the White House and the Amish is closer then what one may expect! As a young man, my Amish Grandfather used to go horseback riding with Dwight Eisenhower in Colorado. They sought out wild horses, captured them and tamed them for use as buggy horses.

    33. Beth Russo

      Sounds good to me!

      I’m always intrigued by people that can and have lived both lifestyles, especially those leaving the conveniences of “English” life to go to the Amish. This book sounds great, and I’d definitely love to read about his journey!

    34. Debra Eddy

      Simplicity

      I often say ‘I still think the Amish are doing things the way God intended’. With all of our advances in technology, we are more stressed than ever! I had not ever heard of Tom and I look forward to learning more about him. I think we all long for simplicity in life but going to that extreme would be difficult for most of us.

    35. kim hansen
    36. DIANE CORNISH

      From the White House to the Amish

      I love stories about the Amish. I swear by Amish trained buggy horses. I’ve had 3 horses and still have 2 of them. I would love to win this story. Thank you for writing the story.

    37. Daniel Simon

      hair

      Erik has nice hair.

    38. Ernest Doggett Jr

      In the name of government

      This is going to be a very interesting and unique read. Government work including being part of the intelligence community would require a very open mind and spatial thinking.

    39. Exciting

      Can’t wait to read this…sounds very intriguing!!

    40. Will Whitmore

      Would love to read- looks interesting!

    41. Amish life

      This book sounds really interesting. I love to read about the Amish and how they live their life. Being from Kansas I have been to where Eisenhower lived and is buried so I would love to read this book

    42. Deb Skalecki

      I love reading Amish inspired novels and I also enjoy historical fiction so this book is a must-read for me! I look forward to reading. I’m interested that you are a Wisconsin born author! Another plus in my book!

    43. Tammie J Edington Shaw

      Amish Life

      Very interesting. Thank you for giving one away.

    44. Leo

      Interesting

      Thomas led an interesting and varied life. Can’t wait to read all about him.

    45. Roger Skarr

      From the White House to the Amish

      Looking forward to an interesting and inspirational read!

    46. Mandy Simon

      Book

      Interesting. Love to read it!

    47. Tara

      Interesting

      Looking forward to reading this book! Thank you for this overview.

    48. JAMIE

      From the White House to the Amish

      I love reading anything to do with the Amish and this sounds so interesting! Thank you for the opportunity to win this book.

    49. Kim Albert

      Love everything Amish

      I would absolutely love to read this book!

    50. Debbie Foster

      From the Whitehouse to the Amish

      I can’t wait to read this book!!